This weekly thread is a place where you can share your struggles, triumphs, links, resources, concerns, and questions about all things related to Natural Family Planning.

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Rebecca Teti

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I just turned 30 and my fertile phase has seemed to get shorter and shorter. Since my mom didn't finish menopause until she was in her mid-50's, I always assumed I would follow suit. But the dramatic decrease in fertile mucus (from 10 days of fertile mucus down to 4 in just a couple months!) has me wondering/worrying. Has anyone else experienced this, and did it mean your cycles were ending??

Posted on Mar 20th, 2013 at 8:36 AM by Jen

I can't say that I personally have experienced it but I am a physician and I find that there are significant changes in the menstrual cycle as the years progress--I frequently tell patients that each decade brings something new during that decade! People frequently will have shorter/longer menses, increased/decreased cramps etc etc. I haven't seen the changes in the cycle correlating with actual decreased fertility (ie infertility) but I would also caution that I am generalizing here. If you are trying to get pregnant and you know when you are ovulating and haven't gotten pregnant in 3 months of trying during the fertile period then you should start talking to a doctor (ie can't practice medicine over the internet disclaimer!)

Posted on Mar 20th, 2013 at 11:51 AM by Lisa

Thanks, Lisa! Yes, we are trying & it bothered me to feel like the window was getting smaller! But I can't say we've been trying "seriously enough" for me to feel like the cycle is to blame. But I will keep your rule-of-thumb about three months in mind. Can't hurt to have a professional look into things if they keep going this way... Again, thanks for your thoughts!

Posted on Mar 20th, 2013 at 4:49 PM by Jen

Does anyone has a recommendation for an NFP method while breastfeeding? I've heard that Marquette is the best for this time period--would you concur?

Posted on Mar 20th, 2013 at 4:56 PM by unknown

I have used marquette for this time period. It worked for us and I am still using it. So far do good and baby is 16 months old.

Posted on Mar 20th, 2013 at 6:20 PM by Nadine

Marquette is GREAT for that time, unknown!! It takes all the guesswork out! Completely worth the investment, in my view! :)

Posted on Mar 21st, 2013 at 6:05 AM by Jen

I used Marquette during breastfeeding to avoid. And here I am with a 16 month old and 18 weeks pregnant with #6. But I have tried other methods and ended up pregnant as well. I guess we are just fertile bunnies who cut it a little close some months! I avoiding is really necessary - make sure you are very conservative no matter what the monitor says! You would think after 40 our fertility would go down...not yet says God!

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